Things to Do in West Palm Beach

At Greenacres Bowl's lacquered lane emporium, competitors ranging from pint-size to full-size unleash spherical fury seven days per week. Strikes, spares, and sequential cheers ring through the center late into the evenings on weekends, which features laser bowling on Fridays and Saturdays. Automatic scoring helps cut down on disputes between opposing players or teams of Olympic figure-skating judges. In addition to games between friends, the facility also plays host to pin-punishing birthday parties, as well as leagues designed for all levels and ages. A recently sprouted billiards room lures eyes away from slick lanes and onto felt tables and high-definition televisions, while an on-site pro-shop stocks the latest shoes, gear, and accessories.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to the visual arts, Palm Beach Photographic Centre has kept citizens abreast of ever-evolving aesthetics since it was incorporated in 1985. Recently settled into their brand-new facility in the City Hall complex, guest instructors including Robert Farber, Ross Whitaker, and Laurence Gartel hold more than 300 photography workshops every year. The in-house staff teaches other classes, with curricula ranging from Photoshop tutorials to technology-oriented lectures to far-flung traveling workshops in such locales as Peru, Bali, and the mirror city located beneath Lake Mangonia. Members earn discounts on all of these opportunities, receive invitations to exclusive events, and get the chance to be displayed in the annual INFOCUS juried exhibition.

The fun-loving teachers at Uptown Art: West Palm Beach believe they can teach anyone to paint work they'll be proud of. Child brush wielders get inspiration from helpful instructors who mentor them in their strokes, and adult classes find similar guidance from both the pro painters and their own BYOB beverages. The airy downtown studio attracts budding painters to its varied schedule of evening painting classes and daytime children's classes that span up to three festive hours of guided artmaking. Students return home with their masterpieces at their sides, each based on a class topic such as a homage to a beloved pet, a poignant still-life of potted flowers, or a self-portrait that looks suspiciously like Audrey Hepburn.

A miniature clay-racing track is the centerpiece of Basher’s RC Raceway, facilitating races for hobbyists, competitive drivers, and partygoers. The indoor facility’s simulated terrain allows racers to maintain command over their remote-control-operated mini vehicles to stay competitive regardless of inclement weather or impending asteroid impacts. The experts at Basher’s RC Raceway frequently host summer camps to teach young hobbyists the basics of RC-car handling, and they also rent out the facility for birthdays with organized races, food in private party rooms, and press conferences with the tiny drivers in each car.

Founder and lead instructor Jamar has spent more than 25 years empowering students to take control of their lives by sharing his own inner journey through yoga. A certified Kripalu yoga instructor and meditation teacher, Jamar infuses each session of focused breathing and movement with his dedication for seeking the Higher Self. The yoga studio's dark wood flooring, green earth tones, and tranquil lighting cultivate a relaxing environment where students peacefully work their way through the Hatha-style poses paired with meditation and inner reflection, striving to calm the mind's constant nagging about remembering to breathe. The studio hosts more than 30 classes and workshops each month— including Zumba, belly dance, hoop, and tai chi, in addition to yoga—as well as regular presentations from guest speakers. Just beyond the meditation floor lies a metaphysical gallery of books, jewelry, healing stones, and crystals to supplement students' practice.

Acceptance and empowerment take center stage at Sabeena Yoga, where experienced yogi and studio owner Shelli August helps others unite a healthy mind and body. August encourages her students to follow Swami Vishnu-devananda’s five points of yoga: proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking and meditation. During hatha and raja yoga classes, she and her team of yogis help students of all ages and abilities boost flexibility, strength, and balance. They also hold meditation sessions and Kirtan meetings, which incorporate singing and chanting, much like karaoke nights emceed by Gregorian monks.